The 'Library' is a jhola bag consisting of 1-page laminated story cards and story books, and low-cost booklets on simple science concepts (developed by AID-India). It is maintained by a village volunteer and circulated among the library network, so that the children get to read a fresh set of stories every month. Currently, we are running 350 libraries in Tsunami-affected areas of Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Pondichery and Kanchipuram. Interestingly, more than 100 stories have been collected from children themselves, along with their colorful illustrations! More than 30 NGOs are a part of this network. "We have been able to utilize this network to work on other programs like primary education surveys, rushing immediate relief, identifying good groups, etc", says Balaji Sampath, AID India coordinator explaining the positive outcome of the program.

The Library goes to the children in a bag

"Everybody Can Read" - A Balwadi Class in Session	"I can read" certificate function is another novel concept introduced by AID-India. The idea started when a survey result showed that nearly 50% of Class 3 -5 students cannot read and write. Certifying in a public function the 50% who can read, both encourages and challenges the teachers to train the rest of the kids to become literate. AID India has developed a package of materials - Padippum Innikum and Thenthuligal (two books on reading), simple story calendars, a reading guidebook and a lot of reading cards and has been training Government school teachers. The program has been designed to make any school-going child literate in 3 months. This pilot program has been started in 71 schools in Tsunami-affected Koovatthur and has potential to start off across the State.

How much does a middle-school Science Lab cost? Beware, your guess could be totally off the mark. The Eureka Science Lab costs just Rs. 2000 and has over 100 experiments in various basic science topics like Air Pressure, Day and Night, Seasons, Heat and temperature. The idea is to convert science classes into experiment based, dialogue and discussion based classes – instead of passive rote learning of laws. More than 960 classes have been conducted in schools of the Tsunami affected areas in Chennai and Koovathur, and with other NGOs in Bhuvanagiri, Pondicherry, and Cuddalore as well. In addition, 10 Village Learning Centers have been started across the state and function as resource centers for hosting activities, training programs and activity kits.

 "Science Can Be Fun" - Building innovative minds
in a cost-effective way

Devastating tremors shook their lives on Dec 25, 2004. A year later, there is a new tremor that vibrates through these children – of excitement, enthusiasm and an energetic love to learn and share. Do you feel it?